Located in the heart of Newmarket, the Timberland store on Broadway is known for its friendly team and great service. We caught up with store manager, Yashika Arora to find out more about the brand and what it's like to work in Newmarket...

N. What do you do?

Y: I am lucky enough to manage the Timberland Newmarket store! This involves looking after our amazing clients, and ensuring our store is a welcoming and engaging environment to both work and shop.

N. Have you always worked in fashion? Tell us a little bit about how you came to be a part of the Timberland team.

Y: I have worked in fashion for the last 3 or 4 years but have 7 years of retail experience. I had always wanted to work for a premium global brand that believed in giving back to the environment and community.  18 months ago I got that opportunity with Timberland.

N.Timberland does a lot of work within the environmental and community space, can you tell us a little more about this?

Y: When it comes to giving back to the environment Timberland is a global leader! 70% of our footwear contains recycled, organic or renewable materials. To date we have recycled 345 million plastic bottles, which have found new life in helping make our footwear. Since 2001 we have planted over 10 million trees worldwide to help offset our emission contribution. Having these types of stories to share with our clients is amazing, and they leave our store knowing they are making a positive impact to the environment with their purchase.

We also work closely with local communities worldwide in a variety of ways such as sourcing our organic cotton from farmers we sponsor in Haiti and local volunteer work. We recently as Timberland employees here in Auckland went out to Motuihe Island to help maintain our areas of outstanding beauty for future generations. We have hundreds of community projects globally.

N. There is a huge conversation around sustainability in fashion. Have you noticed a shift in how your customers are shopping?

Y: Definitely, our clients are more and more engaged with the materials that go into their product, and how they can shop more responsibly. Our clients want high quality products that do not compromise the environments well-being. I think this is true globally, but especially in New Zealand where people really value their green areas!

N. What is your go-to footwear style?

Y: The 6” Icon Boot. It’s a no brainer. It does everything! Looks amazing and can be worn with every outfit! Its fully waterproof, insulated, and is ready for whatever nature throws at you! This boot will last the test of time, and never goes out of fashion.

N. Name three major footwear trends we will see this Winter.

Y: Our 6” Icon continues to be the ‘must have’ winter boot for men, women & kids. For the guys there is an increased demand for that Mid Height Chukka Boot that can be worn in the office on casual Fridays, and then again with jeans on a night out over the weekend. For the ladies, our Chelsea boots always sit on trend.

N. Why do you love working in Newmarket?

Y: Everyone loves Newmarket! Its an area famous across New Zealand for providing quality service to shoppers. There is a perfect mix of premium global and kiwi brands, that keeps everyone happy.

 N. What is your favourite place to get a coffee in Newmarket?

Y: Cali! Those guys are great, and they are always open for early (or late!) caffeine fixes!

224 Broadway | timberland.co.nz